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BLEPHAROPLASTY

Upper or Lower Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) can help correct these problems.

Patients often refer to this surgery as an “eyelid tuck” or “eyelid lift.” Please know that the eyelid itself may not be lifted during this type of surgery, but instead the heaviness of the upper eyelids and/or puffiness of the lower eyelids are usually improved.

Ophthalmologists/Oculoplastic Surgeons call this surgery “blepharoplasty.” The ophthalmologist may remove or change the position of skin, muscle, and fat. Surgery may be on your upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or both eyelids. The specialist will put sutures (stitches) in your eyelid to close the incision (cut).

• For the upper lid, the doctor makes an incision in your eyelid’s natural crease.

• For the lower lid, the doctor makes an incision either through the skin just below your lashes, or in the conjunctiva (moist inside surface of your lid) where you can’t see it.

There are several options for anesthesia to make you comfortable during surgery. Blepharoplasty is sometimes done with just local anesthesia (medicine injected around your eye to numb the area). You may also be sedated (relaxed or put to sleep) by medicine from a needle in your arm or pills taken before surgery. Less commonly, or if eyelid surgery is combined with other surgery, you may be given a deeper type of anesthesia that makes you unconscious for the surgery (general anesthesia). Your ophthalmologist will discuss which type of anesthesia seems right for you, and an anesthesia specialist may be involved.

Many people find that blepharoplasty helps correct their eyelid problems.

But how much it helps depends on factors that include your symptoms, eyelid structure, appearance, goals, and ability to adapt to changes. Here are some common ways that blepharoplasty can help:

• Improved peripheral vision (to the sides) and when looking up. You may be able to relax your forehead since you will not rely as much on those muscles to keep your eyes open.

• Many people with bags under their eyes feel that blepharoplasty of the lower eyelid improves how they look and makes them feel younger or less tired. But this is cosmetic surgery and some people are disappointed. Talk with your ophthalmologist about what you can expect from blepharoplasty.
• Blepharoplasty does not correct all vision problems. For instance, you will not be able to read printed words more clearly just because you had blepharoplasty. Talk with your ophthalmologist about other ways to improve vision such as with eyeglasses, contact lenses, cataract surgery, or LASIK surgery.

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

As we age, the skin and muscles around the eyes naturally begin to loosen. This can cause the eyelids or eyebrows to droop and may lead to puffiness or bulging due to fat shifting forward beneath the skin. These changes can affect both appearance and vision.

Why Consider Blepharoplasty?

Upper eyelids:

• Excess skin on the upper eyelid can obstruct peripheral or central vision.
• You may feel eye strain or fatigue in your forehead from constantly trying to keep your eyelids open.
• Skin irritation or discomfort around the eyelid is also common.

Lower eyelids:

• Loosened skin and fat can lead to under-eye “bags,” which are often seen as signs of aging or tiredness.

Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery or an "eyelid lift," is a procedure designed to address these concerns. It reduces the appearance of drooping upper eyelids and puffiness under the eyes. Despite the name, the eyelid itself may not be lifted—rather, the focus is on improving heaviness and contour by removing or repositioning skin, muscle, and fat.

What to Expect from the Procedure

Blepharoplasty may be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. An ophthalmologist will carefully place incisions in natural creases (for upper lids) or just below the lash line or inside the eyelid (for lower lids) to minimize visible scarring. Sutures (stitches) are used to close the incisions.

Anaesthesia Options:

• Local anaesthesia (numbing around the eyes)
• General anaesthesia

Your surgeon will discuss the most appropriate type of anaesthesia based on your needs and overall health.

Benefits of Blepharoplasty

• Improved peripheral and upward vision (especially when excess upper eyelid skin is removed)
• A more refreshed, youthful appearance by reducing puffiness and under-eye bags
• Less reliance on forehead muscles to keep eyes open

Important Considerations

While many patients are pleased with the cosmetic and functional improvements, it’s important to have realistic expectations. Blepharoplasty does not correct issues like blurry vision, difficulty reading, or other vision problems unrelated to the eyelids. Your ophthalmologist can guide you on whether additional treatments, such as eyeglasses, contact lenses, LASIK, or cataract surgery, may be appropriate.